HeelByNature.com is reader-supported. When you click on links or make purchases through our site, we or our affiliated partners may earn a commission. Additionally, our site features Sponsored Content, which helps us maintain and operate the website.
Dean Higuchi, better known to wrestling fans as Dean Ho has passed away at the age of 80.
The news was first reported by long-time referee Kevin Jefferies, who says Higuchi passed away from “chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from his days playing football.”
Some sad news to share to all my Wrestling Family, a tough week it has been for me my friend and a amazing mentor to many.Dean Ho (Higuchi) passed away on Feb 20 here in Kelowna BC.Born: 1938 · Honolulu, HIDean died from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) from his days playing football.
Dean Was a well loved by so many, thank you for being there for me sir. To Deans wife Rose and Family.God Bless.
Higuchi got his start in bodybuilding in the 1950s, winning the title “Mr. Hawaiian Islands” competition in 1956.
He made his wrestling debut in the 60s, working predominantly in the Pacific Northwest. He became a mainstay at Vancouver’s NWA All-Star Wrestling, notably known for his feud with former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Gene Kiniski.
In 1973, he captured the WWWF Tag Team Championship with Tony Garea after defeating Toru Tanaka and Mr. Fuji. His stint in WWWF was short-lived, leaving the promotion in late 1975.
He later returned to Vancouver, working his final matches for Vancouver All-Star Wrestling in the early 80s.
After he retired from pro-wrestling, Higuchi retired in Kelowna, British Columbia.